How Islamist Extremists Warp the Fatwa

Many people in the West have come to associate the word fatwa with pronouncements from terrorist groups and others posing as leaders of Islam, but these declarations are a perversion. Fatwas are a way for Islamic scholars and muftis, who interpret Islamic law, to provide Muslims with guidance on religious issues. As such, fatwas are one of the most important tools we have for countering radical terrorism.

Among the Prophet Muhammad’s many roles—a divine inspiration, social reformer, military leader, statesman—he was also...